G. Subramaniam

G.Subramaniam

Biography

G. Subramanian is one of the most celebrated artists in India. He graduated first class, ranked first, from the Government College of Arts and Crafts, Kumbakonam in 1974.

Inspired by the costumes that his father would wear as a theatre artist, the artist works in mixed media and using various techniques, such as calligraphy, and different styles/themes, such as abstract backgrounds, Indian myth and tradition to bring his collages to life.
He has portrayed Krishna, Buddha, Ganesha and other mythological figures in his work.

Subramanian has been honoured with numerous awards, among them are Tamil Nadu State Lalit Kala Akademi Award (1998), AIFACS Award, All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society, New Delhi (2000) and Saudia 6th Malwan GCC Countries Biennale Award (2003).
His paintings are part of collections in India all around the world, in countries such as USA, France, UK, Canada, Lebanon, Austria, and Saudi Arabia.

Artist's statement: "I started working on images of Gods, Goddesses, parrots, flowers like the lotus and the smiling face of my daughter always find a place in my art. These subjects come naturally to me. The mythological images like Buddha, Ganesha, Krishna and Saraswati come from my childhood memories growing up in the coastal village listening to mythological stories narrated by the elders. My daughter loved birds and the parrot was her favourite, so all my paintings will depict one. The inspiration and spark behind my art is the smile of my daughter. For me texture is a very important and helps me connect with the viewers. I want the person looking at my art to not only understand the emotion behind it but to also feel it".